One of the best businesses that you can start on your own is a home based travel agent. If you take a look online, there are so many people that have been successful with the idea that gives themselves the chance of being a travel agent for someone in their locality. Here are some of the things that you should remember before you start your travel agency.
Get certified! This is the minimum requirement for most of the independent travel agencies in the country. Each state may have different laws on the travel agents but there’s not a law that would ban you from starting one. Before you get certified, you may have to know certain software programs that are used by the travel agency. But check with your local officials as the law will be varied from state to state.
Be proficient with software. As a travel agent, you’ll be required to be familiar with the travel booking software that you’ll be working with. This will be your tool to book the flights, reserve hotels and even change the reservations of your customers. Currently there are four software programs that are used by the airline industry but learning two of them is already sufficient. If you think you can’t learn them in time, get someone who knows and learn a thing or two everyday. Slowly, you’ll be more confident in handling the system and be able to book the vacation yourself.
Concentrate in one country, content or activities. With so many places in the world, pick at least one of the activities or places that you really love and research on it. People will acknowledge your expertise in this field and they could easily imagine the place even before they arrive there. It’s nearly impossible to know all the places in the world, so for starters, instead of being half knowledgeable of all the places, it’s best that you be proficient in one and start your way slowly with other places.
Get customer’s feedback after each of their travel as soon as possible. A feedback will just mean that you care about your customer and that you wanted to have the best reservation for them. Some will be frustrated with their experience and some will have great time. Either way, you get to have the response of the travelers. Don’t be afraid that they don’t like the place you recommended as this will be a learning experience. You can even give them discounts to give yourself a chance to give them a better travel reservation next time.
Be patient. Just like any other businesses, you have to be patient in the thing that you do. It may take a month or two before you can actually get your first reservation and it will not be enough to cover your costs. Give yourself at least a year before you count your profit. Once the return of investment has been reached, you’re on your way for better financial reaping through your home based travel agency.
Thanks a lot for this blog post. I will surely use this information to help me in future with my business. Keep up the great work!
Comment by Donald Mckenzie Jr — September 25, 2007 @ 9:01 pm